Nourishing Mask

Nourishing masks have become a staple in almost every cosmetics cabinet, playing a vital role in restoring skin balance as part of a comprehensive skincare routine. These nourishing masks, with their penetrating ingredients, offer various effects like moisturizing, invigorating, cleansing, or soothing, depending on their composition. With a wide array of options available, it is important for consumers to consider their individual skin type when choosing a mask. For instance, anti-aging masks are specifically designed for mature skin, while cleansing masks with healing clay are ideal for those with impure skin. Moisturizing masks, on the other hand, replenish the skin’s water reservoirs, giving an immediate boost of freshness, vitality, and youthfulness.

The types of masks

There are three main categories of face masks: cream masks, peel-off masks, and sheet masks. Cream masks, known for their rich formulation, are applied to the face like a day cream and then gently removed with lukewarm water after a short period. Sheet masks, also referred to as “cloth masks,” consist of fleece sheets soaked in a serum. They are convenient and easy to use, making them perfect for travel. Different materials, such as hydrogel or bio-cellulose, offer unique benefits. Peel-off masks, characterized by their fast-drying gel layer, are applied to the face and then peeled off, effectively removing dead skin cells, blackheads, and dirt from the pores, resulting in deeply cleansed skin.

Avoid these ingredients

While nourishing masks are delightful, they have recently faced some criticism due to the presence of environmentally harmful ingredients. Soluble plastic, commonly found in masks, poses a significant threat to the environment as it heavily pollutes wastewater. PEG compounds, also prevalent in skincare masks, can introduce undesirable substances to the skin. Furthermore, many masks contain chlorphenesin, a preservative known to be irritating to the skin and a part of the controversial organohalogen compounds. Silicones, used to enhance the sensory experience of skincare masks, should also be avoided. Fragrances, such as hydroxycitronellal and Lilial, found in multiple masks, can trigger allergies and even have negative effects on reproduction.

What should good nourishing mask be like?

To ensure the quality of nourishing masks, it is recommended to opt for Clean Beauty products that are free from PEG, PEG derivatives, halogen-organic compounds, and fragrances that may cause allergies. Additionally, masks should be free from synthetic polymers and substances like Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Nylon-12, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, and PVM/MA Copolymer. An environmentally friendly alternative to composite plastics and aluminum is OPP monofilm, a recyclable material known for its resistance to kinks and impacts.

Recommended active ingredients for nourishing mask

When it comes to active ingredients in nourishing masks, there are several recommended substances that can effectively nourish and pamper the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, for example, is a smaller form of hyaluronic acid with a 3D molecular structure that can retain moisture for longer and deeper in the skin compared to larger hyaluronic acid molecules. Acting as a sponge, it helps plump, smooth, and rejuvenate the skin after mask application. Sodium hyaluronate, with similar properties, is easily absorbed by the skin and contributes to improved hydration.

Fact Sheet –  Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

CAS number: 162975-50-0

Effect: serves as a “moisture sponge”, preserves the moisture content of the skin

Fact Sheet – Sodium Hyaluronate

INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate

CAS number: 9067-32-7

Effect: similar to Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Fact Sheet –  Sodium PCA

INCI: Sodium PCA

CAS number: 28874-51-3

Effect: hydrating

Sodium PCA (PCA stands for Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid) is a natural moisturizing factor of the skin. The substance is rich in sodium salts and supports the moisture formation and suppleness of the skin. Ideal, therefore, for high-quality care masks! The salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid is cosmetically interesting simply because pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, with a share of around twelve percent, is part of the skin’s own “natural moisturizing factor” (NMF).

Fact Sheet – Zinc PCA

INCI: Zinc PCA

CAS number: 15454-75-8

Effect: reduces sebum production, antimicrobial, moisturizing

The zinc salt of L-pyrrolidone carboxylate is called Zinc PCA. It is a true multi-talent, because on the one hand it is suitable for nourishing mask for combination skin, as it has a moisture-binding and at the same time sebum-reducing effect. On the other hand, it is also suitable for preparations against acne and for care products against dandruff and oily scalps.

Fact Sheet – Magnesium Aspartate

INCI: Magnesium Aspartate

CAS number: 18962-61-3

Effect: protects against external influences, keeps the skin healthy

Magnesium Aspartate is an organic magnesium salt and helps minimize damaging influences on the skin. The substance activates the energy metabolism of our skin, increases the effectiveness of vitamins and supports the removal of waste products from the skin.

Fact Sheet – Zinc Gluconate

INCI: Zinc Gluconate

CAS number: 4468-02-4

Effect: antibacterial and astringent, protects against the degradation of collagen during sun exposure

Zinc Gluconate, the zinc salt of gluconic acid, reduces sebum production, contributes to the detoxification process of the skin, refines large-pored skin, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Fact Sheet – Copper Gluconate

INCI: Copper Gluconate

CAS number: 527-09-3

Effect: nourishes the skin and keeps it in good condition

Copper gluconate helps to keep connective tissue structures healthy and protects the skin from external influences. It revitalizes the skin and has astringent properties.

Dead Sea mud is rich in valuable minerals and trace elements. Worth mentioning are especially magnesium, bromine, potassium, and calcium. These are especially effective for problematic skin. The high mineral salt density helps especially with inflammatory skin diseases such as acne or psoriasis. A Dead Sea mask fights bacteria that would normally cause pimples, cleanses the skin, and rids it of excess sebum. The skin texture becomes more even and beautiful, impurities disappear. In addition, the sea salt dissolves cornification and has a pore-refining effect.

Which mask for whom?

• Teenagers (skin problems): If teenagers are struggling with skin problems, it is recommended to regularly use cleansing masks with exfoliating effect or masks with healing clay to clarify the skin.
• 20s (skin care prevention): Moisturizing masks are generally good for keeping the skin vital and giving it a healthy glow. A quality hydrating mask once a week can help keep skin young and glowing.
• 30s (first visible signs of aging): In the 30s, the first visible signs of aging appear on the skin. It is recommended to use a cleansing mask at least once a week to thoroughly cleanse and refresh the skin.
• 40s (maintaining youthful appearance): To keep the look and feel in sync, hydrogel masks with plenty of hyaluronic acid and a peptide mix should be incorporated into the skin care routine in the 40s. These masks help hydrate and tighten the skin.
• 50s and older (mature skin): Emulsion masks rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acids are suitable for mature skin. Masks with additives such as linseed oil, almond oil, pomegranate seed oil, wheat germ oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil can be particularly beneficial here, although they may have a slight greasy odor.

Time Saving: For quick application, fleece or cloth masks are an ideal addition. There are various materials that either enhance the effect (e.g., “second skin” masks) or are particularly sustainable (100% organic cellulose). These masks contain rich active ingredients and leave the skin looking plump and rosy after a maximum of 15 minutes.

Please note that these recommendations are general in nature and individual skin needs may vary. It is advisable to check the ingredients and application instructions of the masks to ensure they meet your specific needs.

Clean Beauty nourishing mask from Cosmacon

Nourishing mask are a blessing for the skin, as long as they are free of critical ingredients. Cosmacon is happy to develop high-quality Clean Beauty nourishing mask for you: on request also with sustainable and recyclable foils.

Costing services cosmetics is very simple at Cosmacon: After your enquiry, you will receive a complete overview of the maximum costs within 24 hours. Once we have signed a non-disclosure agreement, we will make you a fixed price offer for your desired products.

Sources:

Chemical peels in the treatment of acne: patient selection and perspectives.; Castillo DE, Keri JE.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018 Jul 16;11:365-372.

Safety Assessment of PCA (2-Pyrrolidone-5-Carboxylic Acid) and Its Salts as Used in Cosmetics.

Cosmacon, with its partner HyWeCo, is happy to support you in developing suitable solutions for your target group. Even smaller quantities from 3000 units are no problem. We look forward to your enquiry.